Rengstorff · American journal of optometry and physiological optics 1982 · narrative review · n=?

Mydriatic and cycloplegic drugs: a review of ocular and systemic complications.

Cited 79 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review without systematic search or meta-analytic methodology

PubMed 7039329 · record verified 2026-08-29

What was done

This paper is a narrative review summarizing the ocular and systemic adverse complications associated with the clinical administration of mydriatic and cycloplegic drugs.

What was found

The abstract reports no numerical data, incidence rates, or statistical comparisons. It qualitatively reports that complications are rare relative to extensive clinical use and often dose-related. Listed ocular complications include increased intraocular pressure, corneal and conjunctival pigmentation, anterior chamber pigment, lacrimal duct blockage, macular edema, corneal endothelium damage, hyperemia, allergy, discomfort, and blurred vision. Listed systemic complications include tachycardia, hypertension, headache, faintness, pallor, trembling, excessive sweating, palpitations, arrhythmias, confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, ataxia, flushed skin, high fever, dysarthria, thirst, dry mouth, convulsions, disorientation, nervousness, coma, and death.

Why it matters

The paper catalogs potential localized and systemic adverse reactions to ophthalmic sympathomimetic and parasympatholytic medications for clinicians.

Limits

The abstract provides no quantitative data, incidence estimates, or systematic search methodology. It does not stratify risk by specific chemical agent, formulation, dosage, or patient demographic factors.

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